City Council Meeting January 22, 2007
Totally Unofficial Notes by JN
Tonight's meeting started at 7:20, a little late due to the previous closed meeting (about pending litigation) running long.
After the pledge and the usual prelimaries, we plunged into the meat of the meeting...
D. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Copeland asked to add two items.
Longrie added, under council presentations: invitation to remind council members to remember a Met Council meeting; and also to invite fellow council members to be guests at the St Paul mayor's reception for the Winter Carnival; and a third item, the Dr. David Schulz report.
Hjelle added four items:
status of city manager/council retreat
bringing up ordinance banning international travel for city employees
banning disparagement clauses in city employment contracts
city council members' conduct after the last council meeting
Longrie moved agenda, Hjelle seconded. Longrie voted first, all ayes.
E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Rossbach raised issues about the very specific contents of his motion and then the mayor's subsequent motion in the January 8th meeting, regarding the St Clair Hills development and its request for a variance. Ms. Guilfoyle described how the minutes normally come together when the motions are different from staff recommendations, and indicated that the city clerk will be going back to the meeting tape to get the exact wording from the meeting.
Rossbach motioned tabling of this set of minutes, to allow staff to view the tape and correct it, and everyone voted in agreement.
F. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS
Nancy Lazaryan reported the “good news” that she did not have lawsuit papers to serve tonight, but she did have other papers to share. She reported that the constitution is a contract, and that the city is failing to defend her constitutional rights, so she is placing a lien on all of the city's property, for violating this contract. Then, in order to release the lien, she says, the city will have to take her to court, rather than vice versa. With the lien in place, she believes the city will have trouble getting bonds.
Mr. Rossbach asked Mr. Kantrud if his initial reaction was that this has any validity. He said he is hesitant to say definitively, but he would question a court's willingness to uphold a common law lien in this situation.
Bob Schmidt said that what he expects of the council as a resident of Maplewood are “open, honest activities.” Says he's not sure how the mayor could vote for the reorganization, and then tell the paper that she had no ill feelings toward Mr. Schmidt's son (who was terminated from working at the community center) or any problem with how he did his job. He does question the employee handbook, which had changes made in December by the city manager. Under the new policies, everyone reports to the city manager; employees can no longer file a grievance with the city; city manager now can add and remove documents from employees' personnel files. According to the paper, two community center employees had to be terminated because they had worked for the city so long.
Mayor Longrie said documentation available at the city shows the prior employee handbook, and also shows how it was redacted and changed.
Mr. Schmidt returned and observed that on Dec. 11th, Mayor Longrie stated that she was not aware of the personnel changes; but in January she told the newspaper that the changes had been in the works for a long time. Mayor Longrie responded that she's not sure about any specific statements but she'd be happy to go back and look at the record.
Woman Whose Name I Couldn't Hear: Was trying to locate information, and realized at the last meeting that appointments are made to different commissions, and was trying to figure out which council members fit on which commissions, in particular the cable commission, because Comcast Cable is reducing services and raising rates. The mayor responded that this woman could speak with Rebecca Cave, who was just appointed to the commission; and/or Ms. Facile, the long-time council representative on the cable commission. The visitor wanted to point out that she could not figure out on the city website which members sit on which commissions, and she'd like to see that information on the website. Finally, she was wondering about the electrical franchise fee for North St Paul discussed at the previous meeting, which Mayor Longrie clarified. In addition, she asked about “recycle and reuse fees” that appear on her North St Paul water bill. Mr. Ahl explained that while Maplewood does the recycling, they don't have an ability to do the billing, so they contract with the North St Paul utility to do it.
Bill Kaiser said he wasn't planning to talk tonight, but then decided to let the city council know (which they might know, but maybe not) that an attorney other than Mr. Kantrud is representing the city in a lawsuit. Mr. Kantrud stepped forth to clarify, as he has at past meetings, that the city itself does not decide who will defend the city against this action; the title company chose the attorney, who by coincidence works for the firm that used to represent the city.
Another Woman Whose Name I Couldn't Discern: She has question about noise ordinance – can this be changed, because it is too strong, not for her but for her neighbors. Mayor Longrie answered that if she wishes, she and her neighbors could bring together ideas for changes to the ordinance to present to the city manager. The visitor clarifies that she doesn't want changes herself, but she lives next to a hockey rink, which becomes very noisy.
G. APPOINTMENTS/PRESENTATIONS
Two items, which Mr. Copeland added to the agenda at the start of the meeting.
1. Wedding Fair – This Saturday, our first wedding fair will be held at the Maplewood Community Center, featuring the new caterers plus the liquor license holder for the Center; plus many other vendors (photographers, wedding cake bakers, etc.). Visitors will also have a chance to see the facility and the rooms available for rent for events. Plus, there will be appetizers. Tickets are available from the community center, and more info is on the city website.
2. Passport Night – They'll be adding some extended hours at city hall, once a month if I understand correctly, and this will be the first stab at it. On Feb. 1st, city hall will be open until 8 PM for this.
I. CONSENT AGENDA
These items were approved all together:
1. Approval of Claims
2. Donation from Schmelz Countryside Volkswagen
4. Wyngate Townhomes, City Project 04-33, Approve Board of Water Commissioners of the City of Saint Paul Private Water Main Agreement.
5. Cottagewood Utility Improvement, City Project 06-10, Resolution Approving Change Order No. 2
All voted aye on these items.
Items removed from consent:
3. East Metro Narcotics Task Force Joint Powers Agreement
Pulled by Rossbach, who wanted suggest that there should be a contact page listing the people and how to get hold of them, in case someone in the city needed to get hold of some other party in the joint powers agreement. Staff agreed to add such a list.
Rossbach moved approval of the item, there were multiple seconds (I mostly heard Cave, whose mic seems on higher volume than the others), all voted aye.
6. County Road D East Improvements, City Project 02-07, Approve 12-month Extension to Purchase Option for Ramsey County Regional Rail Authority for Burlington Northern Rail Corridor
This item was pulled by Rossbach, Junemann, and Longrie.
Rossbach said it's been a while since the council has looked at this, and looking at the document led him to some questions. He was trying to look at the document to figure out if the city is getting compensated for the time we put into it. (Ms. Longrie indicated that she had similar questions.) Mr. Ahl provided an answer that involved a too-clever-by-half attorney back in 1850.
Juenemann asked if BNSF still owns the land? No, said Mr. Ahl, the city owns the railroad line. Also, Juenemann wanted to clarify the distinction of the Ramsey County Rail Authority from Ramsey County itself. It was a quitclaim deed, which Mr. Ahl and Mr. Kantrud explained further.
Cave motioned approval, all voted aye.
7. Approval of 2007 Labor Contracts
Pulled by Rossbach and Juenemann.
No report was included in the packet in advance of the meeting. Mr. Copeland said he passed out a few sheets of paper to the council with information on three contracts, and he also stated that Mr. Bethel was here to answer questions about them.
Rossbach wished to table this item to leave time for a report to be written to synopsize the process, provide comparison to settlements in previous years, etc.
Mr. Bethel said that would be fine. Mr. Copeland suggested this would delay pay increases for the union members covered by the agreements (who stand to get 3% pay raises), and he spent a brief time explaining the contracts.
Rossbach asked if the council's approval is being sought for these contracts or not. Mr. Copeland seemed to be saying the answer was yes. Rossbach says he is not comfortable approving something he hasn't seen.
Ms. Cave asked if it was possible to approve the raises and get a report afterwards. Longrie asked if there is a distinction between employment contracts in a Plan B city, and other kinds of contracts, in terms of needing council approval. Copeland said he raised similar points, and was advised that in the past the council had ratified documents like these, so erring on the side of caution he brought them here. He says that unless they want to reopen negotiations with these bargaining groups, it basically doesn't make sense to worry about the details tonight.
Juenemann asked for the three contracts to be reiterated. Copeland answered: AFSCME, metro supervisors association, and police sergeants' local. She then asked about whether the contracts mention the employee handbook. At Copeland's request, Bethel stated that the labor contracts always supercede the personnel policy handbook, and that this is written into the personnel policy as well.
Rossbach said that troubling (to him) changes to the personnel manual, which apparently are superceded by the contracts, mean that it is important to see the actual contracts they are voting on.
Mayor Longrie asked Ms. Juenemann about how this process went two years ago when the contracts were up for review, and she indicated that the council had a packet with much more information about the key details in the contracts.
Mayor Longrie then asked Mr. Bethel if the unions had been argued for themselves, in other words, if they had a chance to watch out for their own interests.
Hjelle suggested that if all the contracts supercede the employee handbook, then in effect it only applies to Mr. Copeland, volunteer firefighters, and seasonal/part time non-union employees.
Hjelle moved to approve the contracts. Cave seconded.
Rossbach said that the public should know that what is being approved is on the basis of one page (handed around to the council at the start of this meeting) that shows the names of the unions, basically, and not anything more. Longrie said that we also have the understanding that this is what the unions themselves have agreed to, and they have all signed on to it.
Hjelle votes first; Rossbach and Juenemann vote nay, the others aye. Juenemann clarified that they were not voting against the agreements themselves, but against the fact that they had not had a chance to actually see what they were voting on.
8. Authorization to make payment for Eden System yearly support contract.
Mayor Longrie wished to ask the IT director to explain this support contract and any options there might be.
Hjelle moves approval, Juenemann seconds. Rossbach votes first. All ayes.
9. Conditional Use Permit — Launderville Towing (2194 VanDyke Street North)
Pulled by Juenemann. She says there was a contentious meeting about this CUP back in 2002, with lots of concern from neighbors. She is pleasantly surprised to hear that there have been no complaints. She wanted to verify that, as seems to be the case, a condition dating to 1993 still holds (that a towtruck has to stay in a garage when on the property).
All ayes.
K. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Saint Clair Hills Development - Findings of Fact (Carver Avenue, east of I-494)
This is a follow up to the variance denial at the last meeting. Because of the earlier question on the minutes from the previous meeting, the city staff wanted to table this until the next meeting, when corrected minutes should be on hand. City Attorney Kantrud wanted to amplify this by saying it is essential that the minutes (which weren't approved at the start of this meeting) line up with the findings that would be the topic in this meeting.
Mr. Rossbach said he was concerned about the same verbiage he raised questions about in the minutes, and additional verbiage that he didn't know where it came from. Also, he is concerned that the finding is stating what the city wants to happen (“semi-rural lifestyle,” etc.) – but the whole point of the moratorium study is to figure out what the city wants to have happen with land and zoning such as this.
Cave said her questions have been mostly answered. Motioned to table this.
Then Jamie Jensen (the developer of the project in question) came forward. After some discussion, Mayor Longrie was persuaded to allow him to speak to the quesiton of tabling. He wanted to say that he was not concerned about the specific wording of their findings, and wanted them just to make it official. Longrie said they couldn't because the minutes approval had been tabled.
Hjelle seconded. Juenemann suggested a friendly amendment that this be tabled to the same night when the revised minutes will be on the agenda (which should be the next council meeting). All voted aye.
At the mayor's request, Mr. Copeland discussed a meeting to be held on the 29th for interested parties to discuss in detail the south Maplewood moratorium.
2. TH 36 – Rice Interchange Improvements — Resolution Supporting Legislation for Preliminary Engineering Study by Ramsey County and MnDOT
A request has been received from the Bev Scalze, representative of Minnesota House District 54B (Little Canada), for support of legislation looking at this very congested interchange. With a lot of building and new jobs at the St Jude Medical facility (and a potential for further expansion) in the neighborhood, it's likely to get even worse. And at current MnDOT/transportation funding levels, this project isn't otherwise likely to be done until 2025 at the earliest.
Rossbach had two quick statements. One was a reminder that an earlier council resolution had shown support to help get this ball rolling; second was that in Little Canada this is “their big thing,” and he thinks it's good to support our neighbor to the northwest.
Juenemann moved the resolution, and Hjelle seconded. Juenemann votes first; all vote aye.
3. County Road D East Improvements, City Project 02-07, Resolution Confirming Eminent Domain Authorization for Schreier Parcel at Hazelwood/County Road D
Mr. Ahl said this is just a reaffirmation of action the council took in February 2004, but he wanted to come back to the council and make sure they understood what the proceedings are. While they have been working with Mr. Schreier, there has been a gap remaining between what the city is offering and the seller wishes. It is the landowner's request that the eminent domain process go forward, which Mr. Ahl pointed out has beneficial tax consequences for the landowner. (It puts the award in a different tax category.)
Cave asked some questions, and observed that land values have been increasing. Longrie asked how large the parcel is, and Mr. Ahl said that the net acquisition is 2.4 acres. (Some land that was previously in a right of way is going back to the landowner, offsetting some of the purchase.)
Hjelle moves it, Rossbach seconds. Hjelle votes first, all ayes.
At 9:10 a 10 minute break was called. At 9:21 the meeting was called to order again.
L. NEW BUSINESS
1. Change of Manager, Noodle & Company for Wine and Strong Beer License
Ms. Guilfoyle presented a report, stating among other things that his background check found no reasons why this applicant should not be given the license. Also, she reported that Chief Thomalla has met with the applicant to express the city's concerns about proper sales of liquor.
The applicant came forward to answer any questions. Ms. Juenemann said she had her “usual question,” one of her “favorites,” about how strict the city is about failed alcohol compliance checks. Asked how he is training his staff to deal with this. Applicant answered that staff is not allowed to sell alcohol themselves, but they have to get a manager.
Mr. Hjelle asked about his college experience. He triple majored in graphic design, visual art (I think? May have gotten this down wrong), and biblical studies. Mr. Hjelle asked if Chief Thomalla “had any problems with this.” Our police chief answered that he had no problems with the applicant. Hjelle made the motion, all voted aye.
2. Change of Manager, MGM Liquor Warehouse, Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License
Again, Ms. Guilfoyle gave the report. Applicant is planning to purchase the business.
Juenemann asks about the record of the applicant's previous business, the Picadilly. Chief Thomalla reported that he thinks the officer who did the background check would have checked with Washington County, and no problems were uncovered.
Applicant came forward to answer any questions. Juenemann gave her usual stern speech. The applicant explained the corporation's training program for carding, etc.
Cave made the motion, Hjelle seconded. Cave voted first, all voted aye.
3. Change of Manager, TSE, Inc. at the Chalet for Lawful Gambling License
Ms. Guilfoyle said typically these things go on the consent agenda. This is a charity that has had the permit since 1994. No problem was found in the background check, and staff recommends approval.
Ms. Juenemann asked, so why did this not go on the consent agenda? Ms. Guilfoyle explained that it was just an oversight.
Mayor Longrie asked if the applicant was present, or if anyone else had questions; she was not, and no one did.
Hjelle makes the motion, Longrie seconds.
Rossbach asks if the applicant was asked to be here. Ms. Guilfoyle said no, she was not.
All voted aye.
4. Annual Review of the Rules & Procedures for City Council and Council Meetings Manual
Ms. Guilfoyle highlighted changes to bring some things better in line with state statute. For example, some clarification of what is considered a special meeting; language regarding emergency meetings. Also, state law requires a 4/5 vote of the council in order to publish summaries (and a note that a full ordinance is available at city hall) rather than full ordinances, when the ordinances are very long.
Rossbach asked a question about a section that says the city manager can excuse staff from providing certain materials at least 48 hours in advance of meetings. Ms. Guilfoyle said this was not a change, but had been there for a long time. She said that while reports are done a week in advance, time sensitive things do sometimes come up at the last minute.
Cave motioned approval, I think Rossbach seconded. Juenemann voted first; all ayes.
5. Funding for Life Safety Construction - Bruentrup Farm (2170 County Road D East)
David Fisher gave the staff report. The city has been allocated a $100,000 grant (part of the state bonding bill) to put toward this construction project. Before it can get started, we need to hire architects, engineers, etc., to make plans for the historical society to review. The grant requires some matching funds. Right now the farm can be visited, but they can't have larger events, educational functions, etc. without these upgrades.
The staff is looking for $17,000 to hire architects to get things going (this is the maximum they could cost, it may be less). Also, as part of getting the grant, the city has to commit to supporting the farm for 20 years.
Mr. Copeland raised the question of in-kind contributions versus cash; the state finance people think it's cash only, but the city would like to have in-kind contributions (such as volunteer hours) also count toward our matching efforts. One of our state representatives, Leon Lillie, has been working on possibly changing the language to allow this. If this works, then the $17,000 tonight may be effectively a loan paid back when the state grant comes through.
Question from Juenemann: Say that language doesn't get changed. Then we'll be charged with finding that money, correct? Copeland answered that yes, there's no guarantee about what the legislature might do.
She also asked about the 20-year clause. Has this been done in previous grants? Mr. Fisher says we may have, and observes that the city owns the building. Mr. Copeland said that the state's request seems reasonable. There doesn't seem to be a clear yes-or-no answer about previous grants.
Rossbach observes that most of the work/investment has really been done by the volunteers. Cave praised the effort to get credit for in-kind contributions, and Mr. Copeland emphasizes the value of the contributions of the volunteers.
Do we have a time frame? asks Longrie. Mr. Copeland says there is a clock, in terms of a national convention coming to the region.
Rossbach wanted to comment that for the near future he doesn't think anything would change, maintenance-wise, at the farm.
Hjelle commented that it would not be that much trouble to have firefighters there for events, as opposed to installing a sprinkler system. Mr. Fisher said he figured that would cost more money over time, but he wasn't sure. Hjelle expressed concern to make sure the facility is utilized enough to justify the capital investments.
Longrie invited the public to address the council. First up was George Rossbach, former mayor, who provided some of the barn's recent history and prospective purposes.
Ron Cockeriel, a self-described “city boy,” came up next. He said he realized that a barn is, to rural communities, like a community center – and that's what this could be for Maplewood. He called attention to the hundreds of people and thousands of hours that have gone into the farm, and also spoke of the investment in the farm by the whole community, and the value it has given it back in return – and what more it could do with the barn being brought up to usability for barn dances, wedding dances, proms, and whatnot. We need the architect to tell us if we can turn the barn into a usable structure; without starting on that process, the barn is really a liability, an unknown quantity.
Juenemann had a question for staff: It might be to our benefit to look into Madison, Wisconsin, about a park with a barn that was restored to a certain point, in terms of usability, and apparently cost them a minimum of restoration money. The sprinkler issue limits the size of a crowd; there's electricity, but no plumbing. Thinks you can reserve it for $75 and it can hold 160 people, and they are making money on it. Renters have to clean it up after they use it. The investment has been minimal, but it has brought great results.
Rossbach moves the staff recommendation. Cave seconds. Juenemann adds a friendly amendment to get on the legislature's case about the language change wanted, which Rossbach and Cave accept. All ayes.
6. Brookview Area Street Improvements, City Project 07-01, Resolution Ordering Preparation of Feasibility Study
This is a project that would have been on the schedule for 2008, but it is perhaps moving up to take advantage of anticipated lower construction costs this year. Mr. Ahl asks for authority to begin preliminary work on this – soil borings, etc. If the council decides not to do it in 2007 after all, the investment is not wasted because the same work needs to be done for 2008 anyway on the original schedule.
Longrie asked about financial reports related to this. Mr. Ahl said that was likely to happen sometime in February, as the finance people are trying first to close the books on 2006. As for where the money comes from, he says it comes from similar funding to Desoto; it would be set up in a project fund to be reimbursed when the project is done. In effect, we'd sell more bonds in 2007, and then less in 2008. He clarified that we would not be decreasing anything on the Desoto project.
Hjelle motions the item. Rossbach seconds.
Rossbach had a question: “Do we still have our money to build the berm?” Answer is yes, and Mr. Ahl took the opportunity to discuss The Berm Project. Working with the neighborhood, they came up with this berm idea – piling up dirt, basically, to deflect noise from the highway away from the neighborhood. It was added into this project in 2005.
Cave asked, is this something MnDOT might be willing to go in on, like they were going to on Highway 36's noise issues? Unfortunately, says Mr. Ahl, because the noise wall was not cost effective under MnDOT's study, they can't put money into it; but they did commit to helping fund planting, landscaping, etc. on top of the berm.
Longrie wanted to make a couple of comments. She acknowledges those streets need to have something done. But she thinks this is premature, given that the council will be having a workshop about public policy and the idea of stepped-up projects that is being proposed. She is very concern about the city's escalating net debt, “without having an understand of what it is we're spending,” and the “cost-benefit analysis.” Because it's premature, she wants to tell the council that she will be voting no. Not because we won't need to do it eventually, but because we “are jumping the gun, so to speak.”
Rossbach votes first; all except Longrie vote aye.
7. Desoto Skillman Area Street Improvements, City Project 06-16, Approve Desoto Street Sidewalk Survey
Following the discussion at the previous council meeting, staff has put together a survey and a letter to accompany it, and would like to mail it to the affected residents tomorrow.
Cave asked a question about historical structures and elements in their neighborhoods, as mentioned by people at the previous meeting, such as very old trees. Mr. Ahl answered that a questionnaire has gone to residents to ask about all kinds of things – from tree root problems in sewers, to draining problems, as well as major trees and other historical things. Residents will return these surveys and have a chance to voice their concerns. Cave asked if that information is passed to the Historic Preservation Commission; Mr. Ahl said that nothing historical has come in so far, but if it does he's making a note to be sure to pass it to the HPC.
Longrie expressed some concern about bias in the survey or value judgements in the cover letter that might influence people, specifically the first two paragraphs of the letter, which she would like removed.
Juenemann asked about the north-south split on the sidewalk decision.
Rossbach said he disagreed with the mayor, and said that those paragraphs contain important facts. He feels that residents should be encouraged to support a sidewalk.
Hjelle agreed with the mayor. He then accused Rossbach of wanting to tell people how to live, and personal sniping began.
Cave agreed with the second paragraph being excluded, and in any case wants to see a lot taken out of the first and second paragraph.
Hjelle again: Make it positive and upbeat, and a little bit more generic, more streamlined. He does like the clarification of the differences between north and south currently in those paragraphs, as Kathy suggested.
Longrie asked if this was a second with a friendly amendment, and Hjelle said yes.
Copeland asked if we want to put a line in there, talking about the details of north and south, but Hjelle would prefer to keep it simple.
Mr. Ahl asked for some clarification. “The council will be considering the construction of a sidewalk,” he suggests, and that it will be considering both of the segments. The council seems pleased with his suggested wording. Thus the motion turned into the more neutral letter wording that Mr. Ahl just suggested.
Longrie voted first, all voted aye (though Rossbach's was a “grudging aye”).
8. 1616 Currie Street Lot Split, City Project 06-25, Resolution Ordering Preparation of Feasibility Study
Mr. Ahl says this was “the trail to nowhere project.” If this proceeds, the trail will actually connect to Curry Street. All the expense of this study ($500) is borne by the property owner.
Rossbach jokes, “Can we authorize any more of his money?”
Mr. Ahl says it's going to be just a one-page report, so it should certainly stay under $500.
I think there were motions and seconds by men, but I was kind of typing and missed who did it. Then the mayor asked a question, and while I was typing this I failed to get what she said. Hrm. It's past 10:30, that's why.
All ayes, anyhow.
9. Trunk Highway 36 at Hazelwood, City Project 03-31, Approve Submittal of 2007 Minnesota Safe Routes to School Funding Application for Trail Improvements.
This is to look for grant money for the dangerous Highway 36 at Hazelwood crosswalk. (Did you even know there was a crosswalk there? See, that's why it's so dangerous.)
Juenemann moves staff rec, Hjelle seconds. Cave says she wants to apply for the grant, but do we have to say what the grant is exactly for? We might consider a pedestrian bridge, for instance. Mr. Ahl says the application 4 years ago was to do a pedestrian bridge, but with the Bruce Vento Trail just 4 blocks away they couldn't get the funding. This proposal would be to put a barrier there, since just removing the crosswalk stripe wouldn't do enough to keep kids from crossing. Cave asks about what if the Bruce Vento Trail changes (for instance, getting converted to light rail). Ahl says that within the next decade or two the council may have to consider another crossing, maybe back at Hazelwood.
Rossbach: All the trail information guarantees there will always be a bike trail, even if there's light rail, so we should expect we'll always have a trail there. Second, Rossbach wonders what sidewalks people would take to get down to the Bruce Vento Trail? Ahl says this grant would pay for the building of such sidewalks.
More back and forth between Hjelle and Rossbach. Juenemann tells us about the old days, when suicidal drivers could even attempt to get across 36 at Hazelwood by car.
Ahl shares more history, that MnDOT promised to put an interchange in at Hazelwood, but it had no time frame; so it is not on the calendar up through 2030 at least.
Hjelle votes first, all ayes.
10. EMS Charges for City Employees.
Copeland apologizes for the item not being included in the packet in advance.
A city employee is used as an example (with her permission). Part of her ambulance bill was paid by the insurer, but the other part wasn't, and it got turned over to a collection agency by the state. There may be other employees in a similar situation.
The proposal is that the city should just accept the payment made by insurance and waive collection on the balance which the city employee would normally have to pay.
Juenemann asks: Is there any history of this? Copeland says that in the past there was concern about it being difficult as an administrative issue, but he feels that especially with the new computer software that has been approved it will be easy to manage. Juenemann again: Will this be considered a benefit question? Chief Lukin said that his understanding is that White Bear Lake and Woodbury do this as well. Juenemann says that we should identify it as a benefit to employees and tell people it's a benefit.
Cave motions staff rec, Hjelle seconds. Longrie mis-speaks and calls Hjelle “Mr. Cave,” apologizes and says she's been up since 4 AM, and laughing ensues as all are tired. (It's not just me!) Everyone votes aye.
M. COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS
Longrie #1: Wanted to remind council members (and community members could go too if they RSVP) that the Met Council has its State of the Region address coming at the Minnesota History Center. Interested folks can call 651-602-1844.
Longrie #2: St Paul Mayor Chris Coleman is having a winter carnival mayor's reception, and his invitation is further extended to city council members. It is Sat., Feb. 3rd, at St Paul City Hall.
Longrie #3: Regarding the Schultz Report, there still seems to be a lot of “interest and scuttlebutt” in the report. Says she doesn't know what his notes say about his meeting with her, but she is interested in seeing a copy of the notes he took with regard to his interview of her. Cave said she is interested too. Hjelle, who was not interviewed, joked about getting his interview as well. Rossbach and Longrie discussed. Longrie asked Kantrud about contractors who work for the government, and ownership of the materials produced as part of that work (such as notes). Kantrud said it depends on the specifics of the contract (whether it's all work product or if only the final report belongs to the city). Longrie asked if he could look into it.
As the mayor was speaking, the Lazaryan/Kaiser group had come back in and were making some noise in the back (amused by the mayor's talking about her “private data”), and the mayor asked them to quiet down (if you're wondering what that's about if you watched the meeting on cable or a recording).
Hjelle #1: Asked about status of the retreat. Copeland responded, but I didn't catch it.
Hjelle #2: Would like international travel by employees banned, and for the city manager only to be able to do so with council approval. Said there is no excuse or reason for a city manager to go on an international trip at taxpayer expense, and would like staff to look into this.
Hjelle #3: Would like an ordinance drawn up to ban disparagement clauses in city employment contracts.
Kantrud wanted to make some observations. He said the clause Hjelle mentioned in reference to a former manager was part of a separation agreement, not an employment contracts. Any future contracts/agreements like that would require council approval. Kantrud also said that the city manager travel issue is probably best covered in the contract with the city manager, since he's the only one really directly hired by the council.
Rossbach and Hjelle argued about the general topic of constraining future councils. Hjelle expressed an interest in “putting handcuffs” on a future council, by making them repeal an ordinance and thus go on the record to change this.
Hjelle #4: While talking with someone in the lobby after the last council meeting, he says he saw Rossbach and Juenemann talking with Police Chief Thomalla and then walk into the police chief's office. Seven hours before there had a been a closed meeting about the Banick litigation. So his question is what was so important to talk about with the police chief at that late hour. “Do you remember?” asked Rossbach to Juenemann. “I was asking for a ride home,” said Juenemann. Rossbach said he was just walking that way. Hjelle suggests that Rossbach/Juenemann were inappropriately conveying information from the earlier closed meeting, which they denied.
N. ADMINISTRATIVE PRESENTATIONS
1. Citizen Advisory Boards and Commissions Meetings Broadcast Schedule
They have a schedule.
The meetings will be broadcast.
My notes are haiku.
(Don't expect a lot of this, poetry fans.)
2. Citizen Advisory Boards and Commissions - Openings
Copeland was just informing the public that there are openings for the public to serve on these volunteer boards and commissions. There will be interviewing and stuff.
Other scheduling talk happened. I'm zoning out, though it's a relatively early night.
O. ADJOURNMENT
Rejoice! It's only 11:02 PM!